Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Behind the Scenes: The Making of an A-10C Pilot (Photos of night aerial refueling mission)

Released yesterday by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs:

1st Lt. Dan Griffin, a pilot assigned to the 358th Fighter Squadron, readies his A-10C beneath the boom of a KC-135 to receive 2,000 pounds of fuel during a night aerial refueling mission in Southern Arizona July 22, 2010. Lieutenant Griffin is a student in the A-10C Pilot Initial Qualification course and was one of six pilots from his squadron to refuel at night during this mission. Upon completion of the course in August he will become a fully qualified A-10C attack pilot. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Capt. Jim Moretti (left) and Lt. Col. Chuck Tubbs, pilots from the 171st Air Refueling Wing based out of Pittsburgh International Airport, Pennsylvania, fly the KC-135 Stratotanker during an aerial refueling mission in Southern Arizona July 22, 2010, to support pilots from the 355th Fighter Wing. The crew and KC-135 supported refueling missions throughout the week so students enrolled in the A-10C Pilot Initial Qualification Course could accomplish their night refueling training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Airman 1st Class Kristiana McDonough, a broadcaster from the 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office, reviews the video footage she filmed of 1st Lt. Dan Griffin's second night refueling sortie over Southern Arizona July 22, 2010. Airman McDonough flew aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker, which was from the 171st Air Refueling Wing based out of Pittsburgh International Airport, Pennsylvania, in support of a series called "Behind the Scenes: The Making of an A-10C Pilot." (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Note: Looks to me like 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs will release a related video in the next couple of days.

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.